The difference between 304 stainless steel and 304L stainless steel pipe

The main differences between 304 stainless steel and 304L are different chemical composition, mechanical properties and uses. The specific differences are as follows:
1. Different chemical composition:
The most basic thing is that the carbon content of 304L stainless steel is less than 0.03; the carbon content of 304 is less than 0.08
2. Different mechanical properties:
304L is a type of steel obtained by reducing the carbon content of 304 to less than 0.03%. Its general properties are almost the same as 304, but 304L stainless steel can inhibit sensitization caused by the precipitation of chromium carbide between 500 and 900oC. It increases the sensitivity to intergranular corrosion caused by welding, etc., so it is suitable for large-scale welded structural materials and pipe fittings that need to be used directly after welding.
The biggest feature of 304L stainless steel is that it increases the sensitivity to intergranular corrosion and reduces the carbon content of the welding part without causing actual thermal sensitization problems.
3. Different uses:

304 stainless steel is a widely used steel with good corrosion resistance, heat resistance, low temperature strength and mechanical properties; it has good hot processing properties such as stamping and bending, and no heat treatment hardening phenomenon (non-magnetic, using Wenling minus 196-800 degrees Celsius). Household items (class I and II tableware, cabinets, indoor pipes, water heaters, boilers, bathtubs), auto parts (wipers, mufflers, molded products), medical equipment, building materials, chemicals, food industry, agriculture, ship parts. 304L stainless steel is a low-carbon 304 steel. Under normal circumstances, its corrosion resistance is similar to that of 304 steel, but after welding or stress relief treatment, its intergranular corrosion resistance is excellent; it can also be used without heat treatment. Maintain good corrosion resistance, use temperature 196-800 degrees Celsius. It is suitable for outdoor units, building materials heat-resistant parts, and parts with difficult heat treatment in industries such as chemical, coal, and petroleum that require high resistance to intergranular corrosion.

4. Different prices:
In terms of price, the price of 304L stainless steel is higher than that of 304 stainless steel. The order price of 304L stainless steel is 300-500 yuan/ton higher than that of 304.
5. Different hardness:
According to the hardness standard, the carbon content of 304 stainless steel is slightly higher, and the hardness of 304 stainless steel is better than that of 304L stainless steel, because the carbon content directly affects the hardness of stainless steel.